Emefiele was appointed CBN Governor by PDP, naira redesign was to help them win elections — El-Rufai  – Newstrends
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Emefiele was appointed CBN Governor by PDP, naira redesign was to help them win elections — El-Rufai 

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Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on Friday alleged that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele introduced the naira redesign policy to help the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) win the 2023 general elections.

“Emefiele was appointed Central Bank Governor by the PDP originally. So, let’s not forget where he came from,” El-Rufai said at a media chat just after the Supreme Court ordered that old N200, N500, and N1,000 notes remain in circulation till December 31, 2023.

The apex court also nullified the Federal Government’s naira redesign policy, declaring it as an affront to the 1999 Constitution.

The court said the policy has led to some people engaging in trade by barter in this modern age in a bid to survive.

Sixteen states led by Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara prayed the apex court to void and set aside the policy on the ground that it is inflicting hardships on innocent Nigerians.

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Briefing the media after the judgement, El-Rufai, who witnessed the ruling alongside his brother All Progressives Congress (APC) governors like Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State, said the CBN governor deceived President Muhammadu Buhari to actualise the policy.

“He (Emefiele) is the one that out this policy together to help the PDP win the 2023 general elections and deceived the President into thinking that it is possible to withdraw N2trillion from circulation and reprint everything in three months. No country in world history has done it,” the Kaduna governor stated.

‘A Revenge Plan’

El-Rufai, who is a member of the President’s party and the ruling APC, said he and his brother APC governors tried to resolve the matter behind closed doors with the President but no success was achieved hence they approached the apex court of the land.

He also said high-ranking members of the Federal Government who are proponents of the policy supported it because they failed to get the APC presidential and governorship tickets.

El-Rufai said the naira redesign policy was “their revenge plan” for not getting the party’s tickets. While some persons had purchased the APC N100m presidential form for Emefiele, Malami had also picked the N50m governorship form of the party for Kebbi State but both men withdrew from the APC primaries in May.

Addressing the media on Friday, El-Rufai said, “He (Emefiele) deceived the President; he gave the President wrong information and the Attorney General (of the Federation, Abubakar Malami), unfortunately, we have to claim that, that one is from our party, supported this policy. And we know why. Go and look at the antecedents. These are people who want to run for President or governor in our party and didn’t make it. This is their revenge plan.

“Whether the Federal Government obeys the order or not is up to the Federal Government but I know President Muhammadu Buhari very well. He is a man that respects the law.

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“Part of the reasons why I convinced my colleagues to go to the Supreme Court is that we are among the closest governors to the President and we wanted to show him if those closest to him disagree with him so publicly on a matter, then you need to reflect on it.

“President Muhammadu Buhari is a man that obeys the law. He may have been misguided by his advisers but now that the Supreme Court has spoken unequivocally, I am confident that all the orders have been complied with,” El-Rufai stated.

The CBN had extended the deadline for the swap of old N200, N500, and N1,000 from January 31 to February 10 following complaints by many Nigerians but the Supreme Court, after a suit filed by the states, held that the Federal Government, the CBN, commercial banks must not continue with the February 10 deadline pending the determination of a notice in respect of the issue.

However, the President, in a national broadcast, directed the apex bank to release old N200 notes into circulation to co-exist with new N200, N500 and N1,000 banknotes for 60 days — by April 10, 2023. He also said old N500 and N1,000 banknotes cease to be legal tender in Nigeria.

Consequently, the apex court on Friday voided the President’s declaration as well as the naira redesign deadline issued by the CBN and said disobedience of the February 8 order is a sign of dictatorship.

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2027: Southern Kaduna group rejects El-Rufai, supports Tinubu

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Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

2027: Southern Kaduna group rejects El-Rufai, supports Tinubu

The Southern Kaduna Support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the president of block votes in future elections, citing his administration’s support for the region.

The group’s pledge comes in response to the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and his reported efforts to form a coalition against the current administration.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Dr. Joseph G. Ibrahim, and Director of Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Victor Bobai Mathew, the group said President Tinubu’s emergence has changed the fortunes of Southern Kaduna.

“With President Tinubu’s leadership and the collaborative efforts of Governor Uba Sani, we have witnessed transformational policies that have given us renewed hope for a more secure and prosperous future,” the statement read.

The group stated that Tinubu’s appointment of General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff was a demonstration of trust in the people of Southern Kaduna.

“This appointment is a testament to our region’s contributions to nation-building and a strategic move toward ensuring security and stability,” it noted.

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Among the key infrastructural and security interventions credited to the Tinubu administration was the approval and construction of a military barracks in Samaru Kataf, which the group described as a “game-changer.”

“For years, Southern Kaduna was plagued by insecurity, making life unbearable for farmers, traders, and families. This permanent security presence will deter attacks, enhance safety, and restore confidence among our people,” it stated.

In the healthcare sector, the group lauded President Tinubu for approving the establishment of a Federal Medical Center in Kafanchan, describing it as a major milestone that would improve healthcare services, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and enhance the well-being of residents.

Education was also a focal point of the group’s commendation, as it celebrated the approval of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia.

“For decades, Southern Kaduna was marginalized in education development. This institution will provide quality education, skill development, and create employment opportunities for our youth,” the group stated.

The group further credited President Tinubu’s leadership for improving security, allowing farmers to return to their lands, and fostering an economic revival in the region.

“The proactive security strategies by the Nigerian Armed Forces, led by General CG Musa, have ensured that farmers and business owners can operate without fear.

“With improved security and infrastructure, Southern Kaduna is experiencing a business revival. Traders, entrepreneurs, and investors now have the confidence to expand their businesses, leading to job creation and economic prosperity,” it added.

Expressing confidence in the government, the group reaffirmed its commitment to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that supporting the party at both state and federal levels was a demonstration of unity, patriotism, and commitment to national progress.

The group also praised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for his dedication to the development of Southern Kaduna, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and security.

“His collaboration with General CG Musa has yielded significant gains. We will continue to stand by him to ensure that he completes his good works for the state,” the group assured.

 

2027: Southern Kaduna group rejects El-Rufai, supports Tinubu

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El-Rufai given 48-hour ultimatum on NNPP crisis comment

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Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai

El-Rufai given 48-hour ultimatum on NNPP crisis comment

The leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai over comments he made on the crisis rocking the party.

The NNPP condemned the former governor’s remark at the Social Democratic Party’s headquarters that the present government is responsible for the crisis rocking the opposition party.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the factional national chairman of the NNPP, Oginni Olaposi said El-Rufai lacks knowledge of the party workings and its challenges.

Also describing El-Rufai’s comment as unfounded, Olaposi urged the former governor to tender an unreserved apology to the NNPP or face legal action for such defamatory comment.

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He further asked the former governor to make efforts to find out from Rabiu Kwankwaso, the details of the crisis within the NNPP.

“We shall ask Mallam Nasir El Rufai to ask his friend (Kwankwaso) to answer the following questions before the allegations of interference or sponsorship by the federal government can be substantiated.

“Was it the federal government that asked Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to go to Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam in February 2022 to prostrate and beg for NNPP’s platform in the company of Buba Galadima, Senator Hunkuyi, and others?

“Was it the federal government that asked Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to insult the founder of NNPP, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam?

“Was it the federal government that asked Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to institute a case against the leadership and founder of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) at the Kano State High Court to challenge his expulsion?

“Was it the federal government that stopped Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Yusuf from appearing before the disciplinary committee set up by the party for internal resolution of crisis within NNPP?” Olaposi queried.

El-Rufai given 48-hour ultimatum on NNPP crisis comment

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Defection: Sack Ned Nwoko from Senate, PDP tells court

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Senator Ned Nwoko

Defection: Sack Ned Nwoko from Senate, PDP tells court

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sued the Senator representing the people of Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, over his recent defection to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

In the suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the PDP prayed the court to declare vacant the Senator’s seat for leaving the party.

The PDP in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/454/2025, and filed through its Counsel, Dr. Ayo Asala, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, urged the court to immediately order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a bye-election to fill the vacant position.

The originating summons dated February 27, 2025, had Nwoko, the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Independent National Electoral Commission as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants.

PDP also prayed the Court to direct Nwoko to return all salaries, allowances and other emoluments he received as a Senator from the date he defected from the PDP to the APC.

In the originating summons, PDP is asking the court to determine if Nwoko ought to have vacated his seat, having defected to another party after being sponsored by the PDP at the polls.

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The plaintiff sought the following reliefs; “A declaration that the 1st Defendant, having defected from the plaintiff being the political party(People’s Democratic Party) that sponsored him and on whose platform he was elected as a Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly to another political party which is the All Progressives Congress (APC), ought to have vacated his seat in the said National Assembly with immediate effect by virtue of Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999(As Amended).

“A declaration that the 2nd and 3rd Defendants are under constitution and legal duties by virtue of Section 68(1)(g) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999(As Amended) to declare the seat of the 1st Defendant as a Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly vacant , the 1st Defendant, having defected from the plaintiff being the political party that sponsored him and on whose platform he was elected as a Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly to another political party,being the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“An order declaring vacant the seat of Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly currently occupied by the 1st Defendant and directing the 1st Defendant to with immediate effect, vacate the said seat by Virtue of Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999(As Amended). The 1st Defendant having defected from the plaintiff being the Political party(People’s Democratic Party)that sponsored him and on whose platform he was elected as a Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly to another political party namely, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“An order of this Honourable Court directing the 1st Defendant to immediately vacate his seat as a Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly,having defected from the plaintiff being the political party that sponsored him as a Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly to another political party to wit, All Progressives Congress (APC).

“An order of this Honourable Court directing the 4th Defendant to immediately conduct a by-election to fill the vacant seat of the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon declaring the seat vacant.

“An order this Honourable Court to directing the 1st Defendant to return all salaries, allowances and other emoluments received by him as a Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly from the date he defected from the plaintiff to another political party to wit,the All Progressives Congress (APC).” the PDP added.

Defection: Sack Ned Nwoko from Senate, PDP tells court

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